TO generations of Teessiders, the late Wilf Mannion was an icon.

It was a week ago today that the region said a final farewell to the unassuming legend, who starred for England and Middlesbrough.

Wilf, who died earlier this month aged 81, was still held in great affection by fans 40 years after quitting the game he loved.

The Northern Echo today kicks off an appeal to raise funds for a lasting memorial to the 'Golden Boy' of 1950s football.

Stoke City has a statue of Stanley Matthews, Leeds a sculpture of Billy Bremner and Newcastle a statue of Jackie Milburn. The Northern Echo believes Teesside's all-time great should also have a permanent memorial.

The idea has received widespread support from Wilf Mannion's family, his friends and admirers.

As well as the idea of erecting a statue, another suggestion is that a football scholarship for youngsters be established in Wilf's memory.

Anthea Walker, Wilf's youngest daughter, said of the idea of a lasting tribute: "That would be splendid. There should be something like that - it's a lovely idea."

A spokesman for Redcar MP Mo Mowlam said: "Mo would support this as a wonderful idea."

David Walsh, leader of Redcar and Cleveland council, said: "Wilf was born in the borough, lived in the borough and died in the borough. The idea of a lasting tribute in the form of a scholarship for local youngsters would be the very essence of what Wilf stood for."

David Buckton, chairman of the Boro's official supporters' club, said: "He would have been delighted with something like that. People asked following his death if there was going to be some permanent memorial to him."

A spokesman for ICI Wilton, where Wilf worked after retiring from football, said: "This sounds like an appropriate idea. Wilf was a hero to thousands of people."

Middlesbrough FC said: "We have considered, as a club, having a lasting memorial to Wilf. We have made our own private decision on that.

"We are not yet ready to make any public announcement. But anything we do will be after full consultation with all the family."

Readers who support our goal should send a cheque or crossed postal order to: The Wilf Mannion Memorial Appeal, The Northern Echo, Priestgate, Darlington, County Durham, DL1 1NF. All funds will be passed on through the appropriate channels.

l Men of metal - Page 3

l Comment - Page 10